Editor's note: This is part of a series of stories submitted by people throughout the community highlighting random acts of kindness. Click on these links to find out more about the Blueberry campaign started by Flint businessman and philanthropist Phil Shaltz or see how you too can tell us your Blueberry story.

I'm old enough to remember the blizzard of 1967, along with many kind acts of people helping one another during similar extreme snow emergencies. I'm sure many are happening as I write this. But I wanted to thank my neighbor, Mike, for going above and beyond in helping people during this week's storm. Mike is the only person in our Flint neighborhood who has a snow blower. He not only cleared the driveways and sidewalks of four adjoining neighbors -- no small feat with more than a foot of snow on the ground, he also helped passing motorists who got their vehicles stuck in the street in foolhardy attempts to make it to nearby and well-plowed Miller Road.

When I went out to thank him, he told me he is an associate pastor. He asked me if I am a widow, which I am. Then, he told me the Bible instructs God's people to take care of widows and their children. I told him I have another friend with the same belief who bought me a snow blower when I moved back to Michigan two years ago. But I gave it to a relative who has a heart condition. I can shovel snow. He can't. But I sure was missing that snow blower this morning as I started shoveling my walk. Then Mike came along. I told him my "what goes around comes around" story. And he mentioned that a neighbor he had helped move a stranded truck told him that no one had ever helped him in his 30 years of life.

Mike refused to accept money for his help, even a token amount to compensate him for gas, so I told him I would be sending a donation to his church. I encourage anyone who wants to help me thank him in a bigger way to do the same. Such "blueberry moments" should inspire all of us on the receiving end of such kindness to somehow show our gratitude.

Submitted by: Anonymous from Davison

We were married in early December. I have never liked the practice of doing table favors for guest, feeling it was just a waste of money as most get thrown away. Since we were getting married at Christmas time and knowing many kids and families would go without a Christmas, we decided to make a donation to Toys for Tots and Outreach East of Davison instead. Then we put notes at the guests' seats, telling them we had done that in lieu of table favors. Hopefully others can also think of ways to cut out some of the "extras" we do and redirect the money to those in need in some way.

Submitted by Julie Simmons, Flint

On a really super happy blueberry note, I have to share my blueberry story.

My car broke down. I had to get it jumped twice that day. I hooked it up to a battery charger for over 12 hours. The next morning, it wouldn't start. A friend came over to look at it and -- wouldn't you know -- it started right up! We were perplexed to say the least. He shut if off and started it back up about eight times with no problems.

Monday morning I go to start it and it wouldn't start! The lowest price on a batter I could find was $186 with a 3.5 year warranty or $136 with a 3 month warranty. Yes, my car takes a special battery.

I posted on my personal Facebook page asking for help, even though I am not one to ask for help. I was desperate. I wanted someone to come and look at my car because I didn't want to spend $50 (that I didn't have) to get it towed knowing I would have to come up with another $200 for a battery.

Out of frustration, I took a walk to Carriage Town Auto and Truck Repair a week after my car broke down to see if they could give me advice. I was halfway through my story when the co-owner walked in. He listened to the rest of my story and asked me where I lived. I told him just about 10 blocks away. He grabbed his gear and said, “Let's go.”

He went to my house and got my car started. He also noticed I needed an oil change. He called me 20 minutes after getting my car and told me, yes, it is my battery and the cheapest he could get one for was $186. I told him I have no choice and I will find a way to come up with the money.

I then posted on Facebook about how wonderful Carriage Town was, but that there was no way getting around the price of a battery. Mike called later than morning and said my new battery had been installed and I owed $8 and some odd change. Someone came up and paid $200 towards my bill!

I asked him who and he said "Santa." He wouldn't tell me anything else - just Santa. I sat and cried at work for about an hour and every time I told the story teared up again.

When I went to pick up my car, he also told me he was going to go ahead and take care of the rest of my bill because he saw how frustrated I was. He proceeded to tell me he had had a bad day and came to my house to help make himself feel better. I will never forget this.